Ruddspeed Jaguar SS Radiator Decanter

Description

This Ruddspeed Jaguar SS Radiator Decanter, dating to circa 1960, is modelled in the form of a Jaguar SS radiator grille, with a large cross-pattern grille cast in heavy chromium-plated metal surrounding the internal glass container.

The rear of the decanter is marked Ruddspeed, England, Reg. Design, identifying the manufacturer. The sculptural radiator form and substantial plated metal casing give the piece the distinctive automotive character associated with Ruddspeed’s novelty decanters of the period.

View the full Decanter collection.

Measurements

18cm high x 11cm Wide x 6.5cm Deep (7.1 x 4.3 x 2.56 Inches)

Who are Ruddspeed?

Ruddspeed were founded in 1945 by Ken Rudd from a disused stable in Worthing. After working on general engineering for local farmers he graduated to more specialised work on sports cars naming his company K.M. Rudd (Engineering) Ltd. In 1953 Rudd became sufficiently well known as a competition driver that he was invited by Donald Healey to understudy for him at Le Mans. He formed RuddSpeed Ltd which was set up to undertake conversations for Austin Healey, Volvos, Alphas and later became known for converting Ford Mustangs to RHD cars, as well as one off commissions for customers. Rudd’s vision throughout his life was to take a good car and make it better which included suppling Ruddspeed Volvos to the West Sussex Police as well as other models being driven by Ian Fleming and Bruce Reynolds. Ken Rudd passed away in 2009 and the brand continues today in honour of Ken.

Ruddspeed of Worthing made a limited range of these famous radiator grill decanters in the 1960’s, they included; Mercedes, Bugatti (with black & chrome grills), Jaguar, Rolls Royce (flat screw cap and Spirit of Ecstacy cap), and Bentley with green, charcoal and chrome radiator grills. These luxury decanters were sold by Harrods of London and other high-quality shops and garages in the UK, in the 1960s.

For further information see our Makers and Retailers profile on Ruddspeed.

What is the SS Jaguar 100?

SS Jaguar 100 is a British 2-seat sports car built 1936-1939 by SS Cars Ltd of Coventry, England. SS was used to link the previous owners, Swallow Sidecar, founded in 1922 by Walmsley and Lyons to build motorcycle sidecars. In March 1945 the S. S. Cars shareholders agreed to change the name to Jaguar Cars Limited. In common with many products of the thirties, the adoption of an animal name was deemed appropriate and the model name Jaguar was given to a new SS saloon car in 1935, and then to all new SS models. The ‘100’ was for the theoretical 100 mph maximum speed of the vehicle.

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Additional information